python / python/cpython

Use PEP 661 (sentinels) in the standard library

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#149,083 2 comments 0 reactions 1 assignee View on GitHub

@JelleZijlstra is already working on this.

Since Apr 28, 2026.

stdlib type-refactor
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Feature or enhancement

Proposal:

I just merged support for PEP-661, which adds the new sentinel() builtin. Let's use it in the standard library so we can simplify some code and stress-test the feature.

We'll have to be careful to preserve compatibility with features such as repr() and boolean values.

Has this already been discussed elsewhere?

No response given

Links to previous discussion of this feature:

No response

Linked PRs
  • gh-149084
  • gh-149086
  • gh-149088
  • gh-149176
  • gh-149213
  • gh-149536
  • gh-149591
  • gh-149592
  • gh-149612
  • gh-149613
  • gh-149653
  • gh-151017
  • gh-155919
  • gh-155927

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